Technology

Overview
MDS Fulfillment understands technology must combine with quality systems and sound procedure to impact response, regardless of the type of orders or inventories being managed. For this reason MDS has custom-developed a state-of-the-art warehouse management system (WMS) comparable to commercial WMS systems valued in excess of $1 million. The MDS WMS can be configured to sustain a broad matrix of client inventory and order management requirements and conditions. MDS uses the system to track client inventories from receipt to shipment, real-time.

Inventory management and order fulfillment related transactions are performed from a series of user-friendly, client specific menus and screen prompts. Operators run portable radio frequency barcode scanners to date and time stamp inventory "events" providing tracking and bench-marking data in support of MDS / Client quality control and continuous improvement processes (CIP).

System Architecture
The MDS WMS is an open, modular system residing on a UNIX platform over an ethernet backbone powered by HP 9000 servers. It has a direct interface to the MDS 4GL database, a highly productive and responsive order management system running Progress.

The level of sophistication and flexibility built into the software / hardware configurations enables an effective, seamless interface to large and varied client host systems via FTP, Internet, or EDI channels. With the MDS WMS, exchanging and accessing data, modifying, adding, or removing system and database components, and any other themes relating to connectivity, form, and function are simplified, precise, cost-effective, and quickly implemented.